HAPEVILLE, Georgia — A former police officer who abused a helpless man in his own custody — and then lied about it in an official report — is heading to federal prison.
Shevoy Brown, 31, a former officer with the City of Hapeville Police Department, has been sentenced to three years and one month behind bars for using unjustifiable force against a handcuffed detainee and filing a false report to cover it up.
What Happened Inside That Holding Cell
The incident took place in June 2024.
Brown and other Hapeville officers arrested a man on a trespassing charge at a local apartment complex. The man was taken to police headquarters and placed alone in a small holding cell, handcuffed to a stationary bench.
He was restrained. He was alone. And he posed no threat.
That did not stop Brown from entering the cell twice and tasing the man at least six times — including in his private area. Prosecutors stated that Brown had no justifiable cause to deploy his taser at any point.
The assault only stopped after another officer stepped in and intervened.
The victim suffered injuries serious enough to require medical attention.
The Cover-Up That Made It Worse
After the assault, Brown filed an official use-of-force report — and used it to lie.
In the report, Brown claimed he tased the victim only twice, and only after the man kicked the door and window of the holding cell. He said he needed to use force to gain compliance.
But prosecutors dismantled that story in court.
Evidence showed that the victim had already stopped hitting the door and window before Brown ever walked into the cell. Brown also left out of his report that the victim was handcuffed to a bench — and that he tased him four additional times beyond the two he admitted to.
The false report was a deliberate attempt to obstruct any investigation into his conduct.
Federal Authorities Respond
The case drew a sharp response from federal officials who made clear that a badge does not place anyone above the law.
“Brown willfully violated our Constitution by abusing his power to violently and unnecessarily assault a man in his custody,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “His misconduct was a violation of his oath and is an affront to our district’s many honorable law enforcement officers who serve with great integrity.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham echoed that message.
“When a law enforcement officer abuses their authority and violates an individual’s civil rights, the FBI will work to ensure they are held accountable,” Graham said.
The Sentence
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg sentenced Brown to three years and one month in federal prison.
Brown must also serve two years of supervised release once he is out.
He is no longer with the Hapeville Police Department.
Do you think the sentence was fair, or should the punishment have been stronger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
